Yaz, a birth control medication manufactured by Bayer, is used to prevent pregnancy as well as to treat moderate acne and the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome. Like all medications, Yaz comes with warnings that you need to know before you begin taking it. Read all of the information included with your prescription and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before taking Yaz.
A typical birth control pill package
What Makes Yaz Different
Yaz, sister drug to Bayer's older Yasmin product, contains less estrogen than other birth control pills. It also contains a novel form of progestin, drosperinone. Progestin is a synthetic version of progesterone, a hormone that prevents ovulation. Drosperinone has been linked to side effects and risks that are not seen in birth control products using other forms of progestin.
Combination Birth Control Warnings
Stop Yaz three to four weeks before surgery and 1-2 weeks after to reduce your risk of developing serious blood clots.
Combination birth control pills like Yaz can increase your risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Yaz includes an FDA black-box warning that reads: "Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives should not smoke." Some of the cardiovascular issues known to be related to Yaz and other combination pills are blood clots, particularly in the legs (deep vein thrombosis); heart attack; and stroke. You may be at increased risk for blood clots if you are taking Yaz and are placed on bed rest, are in any situation requiring you to stay in bed for prolonged periods, or have recently delivered a baby. Talk to your doctor about stopping Yaz three to four weeks before surgery and not taking Yaz for one to two weeks after surgery or while you are on bed rest.
Drosperinone Warnings
Some medications can increase the risk of serious potassium-related side effects while taking Yaz.
Unlike some forms of progestin found in older birth control pills, drosperinone can increase your potassium levels, which, if you have liver or kidney problems, can put you at risk for serious heart problems or liver or kidney failure. The drosperinone in Yaz can also adversely interact with some medications, including libuprofen, naprosyn, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and blood pressure medication. If you take any of these medications, discuss them with your doctor before starting Yaz. Bayer recommends a potassium test a month after starting Yaz.
Other Serious Side Effects
In addition to cardiovascular effects, Yaz has been linked to a higher risk of gallbladder disease, as well as benign but dangerous liver tumors. According to the Yaz product insert, there is a slight risk of liver cancer in women who use birth control, such as Yaz, for long periods of time. Hormonal contraceptives like Yaz have been linked to an small increase in the risk of breast and reproductive cancers in women. Once you stop taking birth control, that risk begins to go back down. If you have or have had breast cancer, you should not take Yaz or other hormonal contraceptives.
Less Serious, More Common Side Effects
Some of the less serious and more common side effects of Yaz include vaginal bleeding between periods, also known as spotting or breakthrough bleeding; difficulty wearing contact lenses or changes in vision; fluid retention; melasma, a spotty darkening of the skin, particularly the face; nausea; vomiting; change in appetite; headache; nervousness; depression; dizziness; loss of scalp hair; rash; and vaginal infections.
Drug Interaction Warnings
Some medications can make Yaz less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of Yaz. Rifampin, barbiturates, phenytoin, phenylbutazone and certain antibiotics can make Yaz less effective at preventing pregnancy or increase breakthrough bleeding. Herbal supplements that contain St. John's Wort can also reduce the effectiveness of Yaz. You may need to use a second type of birth control, such as condoms, during any cycle in which you take these medications.
Tags: birth control, risk serious, been linked, birth control pills, blood clots
